Fuel Cell Center Grand Opening

Kettering's Center for Fuel Cell Systems and Powertrain Integration will host a public open house Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. in Flint

The state's most advanced research site for fuel cell technology will open Wednesday, June 15, with ceremonies at the Kettering University Center for Fuel Cell Systems and Powertrain Integration in Flint.

The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening from 2-5 p.m. in Kettering's C.S. Mott Center for Engineering and Science. The event includes tours and fuel cell vehicles from General Motors, Ford, Toyota and U.S. Army hydrogen-powered vehicles. The open house, tours and displays are all free and open to the public.

The state-of-the-art fuel cell center has been a three-year dream of Dr. K. Joel Berry, head of Kettering's Mechanical Engineering Department and director of the Kettering Center for Fuel Cell Systems and Powertrain Integration. "This is important for Kettering because it provides an opportunity for the University to partner with Michigan and the nation for developing advanced technologies to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell systems and components," Berry said. "It's also an opportunity for Kettering and the Center to play a vital role in the economic development of Flint, including the creation of jobs and wealth to improve the quality of life for citizens. Finally, we look forward to training the next generation of engineers who will develop future technologies to ensure a sustainable, and energy secure, environment."

Kettering's fuel cell center is approximately 10,000 square feet in the University's new science and engineering building. The University is already well known for its ability to transfer hands-on experiences to professional business and industry environments. This new center will accelerate these hands-on experiences to apply theory and learning in the latest technologies.

The center will house specialized equipment, instrumentation and infrastructure required to meet the vision, mission and goals of the center, Berry said. The goals include:

excellence in fuel cell research, testing and evaluation, attracting the world's leading fuel cell developers, manufacturers and suppliers to the region, and developing companies for the emerging fuel cell industry.

The center will include state-of-the-art laboratories and other areas for fuel cell testing and research, staff support and an assembly and project display area, and a combined teaching studio and control room. The incubator renovations include basic office cubical support for up to 10 companies. Berry noted that the center holds promise to accelerate the development and commercialization of fuel cells for stationary and mobile applications. "It will also provide world-class fuel cell engineering education and help Michigan and the Midwest develop a trained workforce," he said.

"Our hope is to provide technological leadership in fuel cell R & D here at Kettering," Berry added, "leading to product commercialization and incubation for new and emerging companies that will spin-off and help create Kettering's Research and Technology Park."